- Tension rose in Kasipul after two supporters of Philip Aroko died in a violent attack ahead of the November 27 by-election.
- Philip Aroko and ODM candidate, Boyd Were, gave conflicting accounts, with both camps blaming each other for the tragic incident.
- The killings revived painful memories in a state long ravaged by political animosity and unresolved tragedies.
A dark cloud surrounds Kasipul as tensions rise ahead of the November 27 by-election.
Source: Facebook
This is after two people associated with independent candidate Philip Aroko died in a violent attack that left others injured.
The incident deepened the political divide between Aroko and ODM candidate Boyd Were, with each side presenting a different story of what happened.
How did two people die in Kasipul?
Initial reports indicate that the two men, believed to be part of Aroko’s community mobilization team, were arrested on Thursday, November 6, on their way to a campaign event in Nyandiwa, West Kamagak County.
A group said to be associated with Boyd is allegedly facing them. Shortly after, one of Boyd’s followers was reportedly beaten by a mob responding to the killing.
Aroko recorded a statement at the Oyugis Police Station, where he narrated the chaos his team encountered.
“Before we got to the hall, we heard what sounded like gunshots and stones hitting our cars. After we calmed down, we found out that two of our team members had been arrested. One died immediately, the other was rushed to the hospital but did not survive,” he told OCS.
Videos posted by Aroko showed emotional scenes at the Rachuonyo County Hospital mortuary as residents looked at the body of the young man identified as Bruno. The identity of the second victim was still being confirmed.
In the post, Aroko blamed people associated with Boyd and compared Boyd to his late father Ong’ondo Were, whose death in Nairobi remains a painful reference point in Kasipul politics.
“The joy of the day was interrupted by the killing of my follower Bruno at the hands of hired thugs. The boy (Boyd) is walking in the ways of his father, using violence and threats,” he wrote.
Aroko said the November 27 vote would end the chaos.
“Bruno was smart and honest, loved by many. We mourn the son who was taken too soon and stand with his family. This violence aims to spread fear, but it will not break the people of Kasipul,” he added.
What did Boyd Were say about Kasipul’s violence?
Boyd dismissed Aroko’s claims. He said he was engaging voters in Opondo area, Kasipul Central Ward, when Aroko’s team arrived and allegedly caused chaos.
“Gunshots were heard from the Aroko team and disturbed the calm. The same group went to Nyalenda, where I was scheduled to meet the voters, and destroyed our arrangement. Two motorbikes were set on fire and residents were left shaken,” he said.
Boyd initially avoided mentioning the deaths, focusing on his team member Jim, who he said suffered a large gash on his forehead after being attacked with a machete on his way home.
In a statement later Friday, Boyd finally acknowledged the two deaths and offered his condolences to their families.
Source: Facebook
The violent nature of Kasipul’s politics
Thursday’s incident added to the growing concern about Kasipul’s political situation.
Just a few weeks ago, several women were attacked during a Women Empowerment program in Sikri.
The long history of political rivalry in the area is often linked to the assassination of Ong’ondo, whose death marked a major shift in local politics.
On Friday, October 31, senior leaders including the vice president Kithur Kindiki and Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga led Boyd’s popular campaign in Kasipul.
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